Creative to move location of pottery painting venture due to pending Workbridge closure in Northampton
A creative has unfortunately been left with no choice but to move her pottery painting venture to a new location despite an “absolutely fantastic” start, due to the pending Workbridge closure.
After many years of providing vocational opportunities and training for people with mental health needs, St Andrew’s Healthcare has made the decision to close Workbridge on Bedford Road.
This includes the cafe, garden centre, charity shop, creative studios, retail cabins and all the education-related services, while health food shop Daily Bread will continue to lease the building from St Andrew’s.
The website states that “Workbridge is no longer financially sustainable” and that despite efforts to make it viable, it has been concluded that closure is the only option – allowing St Andrew’s Healthcare to focus their resources on hospital care.
Workbridge Retail will remain open until December 23 and Workbridge Education will continue until all existing contracts are fulfilled. There are no immediate plans for the site and it will remain permanently closed under St Andrew’s management.
One impacted individual is Kate Lowe, who launched ‘Pottery Painting at Workbridge’ in July as a result of her love for painting ceramics which she sells online and at markets under ‘Bagsy Me First’.
Her final two dates at Workbridge are November 28 and December 6 before the closure later in the month – and people can save their space by booking online, or turning up between 10am and 2pm for two hours of painting.
From the New Year, Kate will be hosting pottery painting sessions upstairs at Duston Village Bakery on Saturdays. She has already hosted workshops there previously, as well as at the nearby Community Centre.
Talking about the upcoming Workbridge closure on December 23, Kate said: “It is beyond sad for everyone – staff, volunteers, service users and customers.”
‘It’s been absolutely fantastic’
Kate prides herself on offering customers two hours of peaceful, creative and fun time and they can collect their painted goods a week later after they have been glazed and fired. This takes place at Kate’s kiln and studio at her thatched cottage in Duston.
It was only recently when the founder moved to the town from Buckinghamshire and she was not able to continue with her previous job in a pottery shop – which formed part of her two years of experience in this niche.
Kate describes herself as a creative and maker of many things, and her love for pottery painting began during the pandemic. Her neighbour ran a pottery studio and she requested a box of mugs and paint to have a go during the uncertain time. The rest is history.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” said Kate, reflecting on the first four months since launching this venture. “I’m delighted with our happy customers, and we all sit round a big table, chat and paint. Things are going well and gathering momentum.
“It’s so laid back and painting pottery is the most fun, delightful and therapeutic thing to do. Everyone creates masterpieces that are all different and unique, and everybody can do it.”
Kate encourages anyone interested to come and support her venture in the run up to Christmas, as they can pour love into painting a gift and enjoy themselves while doing something thoughtful.
“It doesn’t matter how good or bad you think you are,” said Kate, who hopes to establish a greater variety of themed pottery painting workshops in 2026.